The Egyptian oranges are currently dealing with competition in the European market, says Gehan Elsherif, executive manager for Egyptian fresh produce exporter G Fresh for Export & Import: “The orange season in Egypt is developing as expected, with demand increasing from the Far East markets, as well as from Africa and the Gulf countries. We’re still dealing with a lot of competition for the Navel oranges in Europe, and we have to face the situation on a day-by-day basis. Greece is currently still supplying the Navels as well, but soon the situation should change and the Egyptian Navel should be the best choice for importers.”
Shipping the oranges to the east is troublesome with the problems in the Red Sea, Elsherif states. “The current situation with the Red Sea is like a bogeyman to our business, as it makes everything uncertain and could cause all plans to be thrown in the bin or to be changed if it’s not fixed on the short term. As we’re going to start Valencia oranges soon and the use of the Red Sea for transport to the Far East, the Gulf countries and even some African markets is essential. The other option we have now is by using the Cape of good hope-route, but this will mean a very long transit time for the oranges.”
“It's my expectation that if we’re able to resume transport via the Red Sea soon, Egypt will be able to maintain its first position when it comes to export volumes to countries across the globe. For Europe we’re also doing well. We received plans from our customers already, as they have their forecasting done, and so we know what they’ll need at what point in the season,” Elsherif concludes.
For more information:
Gehan Elsherif
G Fresh For Export & Import
Tel: +20 109 985 0716
Email: Gehan.elshrief@g-fresh.co
www.g-fresh.co